Tulsa vs. UCF Game Preview

Tulsa lost a heartbreaker to Navy 42-40 this past Saturday, as a comeback attempt fell short. Quarterback Dane Evans threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns in the loss.

UCF became bowl eligible with a great defensive effort against Cincinnati with a 24-3 victory. The Knights did just enough on offense – quarterback McKenzie Milton threw for 150 yards and a touchdown – while the defense held the Bearcats to just 327 total yards.

What To Know About Tulsa

Evans has been good this season, throwing for 2,613 yards and 22 touchdowns while the rushing combination of James Flanders and D’Angelo Brewer have both gained over 1,000 yards on the ground. Flanders has been a touchdown machine, reaching the end zone 14 times this season. It could be tough sledding against a UCF defense that allows just 147.60 yards rushing per game. Evans will have to be smart with the ball and keep the offense balanced.

What to Know About UCF

The Knights offense has been inconsistent, but does average 31.0 points per game. It will have to keep up with the Golden Hurricane on the scoreboard, and that will come down to Milton having a big game throwing the ball and not making mistakes. The defense has been spectacular the past two weeks, allowing only nine points combined.

Advantages

Offense: Tulsa. The Golden Hurricane can beat you with the run and pass.

Defense: UCF. Shut down Tulane and Cincinnati. Tulsa will be a bigger challenge.

Special Teams: Tie. Both punters have been solid.

Coaching: UCF. Scott Frost has taken a team with zero losses last season and made them bowl eligible.

Intangibles: UCF. The more wins they can gather, the better the bowl location for the Knights.

Matchup To Watch

Dane Evans vs. UCF pass defense

The Knights do not give up a lot through the air, but Evans is a talent.

Tulsa vs. UCF Betting Odds

Spread: Tulsa -1.5Over/Under: 64.5

Tulsa vs. UCF Prediction

It will be strength versus strength as the Tulsa offense tries to outwit and outplay the UCF defense. There is something special about what Frost is building in Orlando, and the Knights are playing with a swagger not seen at UCF since Blake Bortles was on campus. You know the saying “good defense beats good offense?” I’m going against that here. Tulsa wins by three.